2009 Fall Couture: Christian Lacroix

The looming question is can Lacroix be saved? But the show went on. In a pared down but no less beautiful Couture collection, the great French designer delivered a round of Lacroix best ofs. Spanish influence, ruffles, extravagant beading, lace, bows, draping, polka dots, and black. Makeup and hair was minimal — black headwraps delivered a slight mood of mourning. This wasn't the most optimistic collection, but longtime customers will manage to find (final?) additions to their collections. And love was in the audience — attendees sported "Christian Lacroix Forever" badges and each look was greeted with applause. Lacroix, must, survive.